Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken
Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken is a flavorful and juicy grilled chicken recipe seasoned with a bold blend of smoky, spicy, and savory Cajun spices. Perfect for summer BBQs or zesty weeknight dinners, it features a crisp, charred exterior and tender interior, easily customizable to your preferred heat level and protein choice.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Spice Mix
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Prepare the Cajun Spice Mix: Combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to create an even seasoning blend.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and drizzle with olive oil. Rub the spice mix evenly over each piece, pressing gently to form a thick crust. Optionally, add fresh lemon juice for brightness. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat grill to medium-high and clean the grates. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and promote caramelization.
- Grill the Chicken: Place chicken on the grill and cook 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Turn once to achieve grill marks and even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from the grill and let rest on a plate for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender results before slicing or serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid over or undercooking — target 165°F internal temperature.
- Let grilled chicken rest before cutting to retain moisture.
- Grill in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of searing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken, Cajun chicken, grilled chicken recipe, spicy grilled chicken, BBQ chicken, Cajun seasoning, easy chicken recipe